Sport

League is the priority for City says Heeley

CARL Heeley says he has no intention of jeopardising Worcester City's push for Skrill North survival by risking senior players in the Worcestershire FA Senior Cup.

City could barely fill the bench at North Ferriby United on Saturday due to injuries and Steven Leslie and Kristian Ramsey-Dickson having left the club.

Aaron Farrell and Aaron Brown could be available for tonight's semi-final against Redditch United at the Valley Stadium (7.45pm) after a family bereavement but keeper Ryan Boot is still struggling with a knee injury.

But with three home league games coming up in six days against Vauxhall Motors, Stockport a County and Histon, all teams around Worcester in the table, ensuring they don't get pulled into another relegation battle is the priority.

Manager Heeley said: "As much as we want to win a trophy, we have to be sensible and prioritise because we can't afford to take any more injuries because it could just ruin our season yet.

"We've got a massive week coming up with games on Sunday, Tuesday and Saturday."

However, the cup is good chance to blood some of the players from the club's academy, run by Mark Owen, in a competitive senior environment.

Striker James Lemon, a second-half substitute in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at North Ferriby, and midfielder Max Crisp, who was also on the bench, are both in line to start.

On-loan Birmingham City keeper Callum Preston could again deputise for Boot but City do have academy youngster Sam Hawker available to them.

Right-back Josh Smith, currently on loan at Sutton Coldfield Town, is another likely to be involved.

Heeley said: "There's a few fringe players that will need minutes and some of Mark Owen's boys will get an opportunity."

City are aiming to reach the final for the first time since 2011 when they were beaten by current holders Stourbridge 2-0.

Redditch are 10th in the Calor Southern League Premier Division following Saturday's 2-1 home win against Burham and are unbeaten in their last five league games.

The last-four clash was due to take place last month but was postponed due to a waterlogged pitch.